Applicator for pessaries



Dec. 28, 1937.

P. L. CLARK, JR

APPLICATOR FOR PESSARIES Filed Nov. 2, 1935 I Q .u 0/ w W 0 LZ Patented Dec. 28, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Application November 3 Claims.

My invention relates to an applicator for pessaries and particularly to a device intendedfor use in connection with a pessary such as shown in the drawing thereof.

An object of my invention is to provide an applicator that will cooperate with pessaries or diaphragms, having a central cavity or dome, adapt ed to receive a medicament, and arranged to cooperate with the diaphragm in such manner that the metal members of the applicator are contained or imbedded within the folds of rubber of the diaphragm.

Furthermore, the applicator of my invention is so designed that it enables the insertion of the pessary with the medicament in the sack without squeezing out any substantial part thereof. This desirable result is further assured by reason of another improvement, that is, the slight contracting of the mouth of the sack. The applicator is so constructed that it is practically entirely enveloped in the material of the pessary when the insertion is made and is arranged to retain the sack containing the medicament in such position that it is unlikely to be squeezed during the process of insertion.

The invention will be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawing in which; i i

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a vaginal diaphragm adapted for use with my applicator, a portion of the rubber being broken away to show the rim construction.

Fig. 2 is a side view partly broken away to show a portion of the device in section;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the applicator of my invention;

Fig. 4 is a side view showing the applicator in engagement with the diaphragm; and,

Figs. 5, 6, and 7 are views showing the method of applying the diaphragm.

The pessary or vaginal diaphragm shown in the drawing comprises a relatively stiif but flexible rim consisting of a continuous coil ill of wire embedded in a rubber covering. The rim normally is circular as shown, but may readily be distorted into a long oval shape as shown in Fig. 4 when engaged with the applicator for insertion. A sack or cup II is provided composed of soft flexible rubber, the neck I! of the cup being slightly contracted and the material thickened as at Ila for a reason that will be later explained. The cup is joined to the rim by means of a diaphragm consisting of an annular portion l3 and a curved portion M. The annular portion depends from the ring (or projects upwardly therefrom depend- 2, 1935, Serial No. 47,956

ing upon the position in which the device is held) and the quantity of material in the parts l3 and I4 is substantially greater than would be necessary if the diaphragm was projected laterally in a plane between the cup and the rim. Thus a large excess of thin, flexible material is provided by reason of which the cup or sack may adjust itself to any desired position other than the position shown in the drawing. The excess of material provides also for freedom of action in inserting the device into its position of use as illustrated in Figs. 5 to 7.

The applicator of my invention shown in Figs.

3 to 7 consists of a light wire frame having a handle IS with an offset or abutment IS, the wires being spread between the abutment I6 and the abutment I! at the extreme end of the tool, the space 18 formed by'spreading the wires being of a size to receive the sack II as best shown in Fig. 4. It will be noted that with the rim engaging the abutments l6 and I! the device is considerably elongated and flattened and that the frame or tool is substantially entirely concealed within the soft rubber material. The reshaping of the diaphragm by attaching it in the described manner to the tool enables its insertion into the vagina in the manner shown in Fig. 5, the excess of material enabling the sack containing a medicament to be inserted without contracting it to an extent that would discharge the contents. The contracting of the neck of the sack also contributes toward this result. The contracting and thickening of the material of the neck also serves the purpose of firmly engaging the cervix and, due to the gripping action, being retained in position regardless of movements of the user. After theinsertion has been made, as indicated in Fig. 5, the finger of the user is pressed against the outer edge of the rim in the manner shown in Fig. 6 whereupon the rim assumes its circular condition and the sack will adjust itself to the cervix regardless of its location. After disengaging the tool, the abutment H at its outer end may be used forgently forcing the riminto an extreme rear position in the vaginal cavity as shown in Fig. 7. In removal, the hooked end of the tool may be caught on the rim at any point and the device easily pulled outward.

. The excess of material associated with the relatively stiff rim insures proper covering of the cervix and the application of the medicament to the required organs, and the tool for use in connection with the device is designed to accomplish the easy and safe insertion and removal of the pessary without inconvenience.

frame being spread apart between the abutments,

'to provide a space to receive the sack of a diaphragm.

3. A wire structure consisting of a frame and a handle, the wires of the frame being bent to provide spaced abutments, the two wires of the frame being spread apart between the abutments to provide a space to receive the sack of a diaphragm, the outer end of the wire structure being bent to provide a hook for use in removing the 10 diaphragm.

PERCY L. CLARK, JR. 

